From its inception, Scheinfelds, Orland and Tourial has focused on providing the right solution for every patient, every time. We do not waiver from this commitment. While many practices claim to put their patients first, few are able to resist the temptation to make small sacrifices to increase their revenues. Scheinfelds, Orland and Tourial has steadfastly refused to make any change in the treatment that does not offer a tangible benefit to our patients.

Don’t be all things to all people.

Scheinfelds, Orland and Tourial in specialization. It is one of the many things that make us revolutionary. Every decision we make, new person hired or new technology solution launched is aimed at expanding and deepening our specialization differentiation. We know taking our eye off this goal would be a costly injustice to our patients. We are proud to say that our patients represent long and endearing relationships that span several generations over 25 years.

Don’t push products.

At Scheinfelds, Orland and Tourial we take a consultative approach to ensuring each patient’s program aligns with their operating culture and unique risk exposures. This means we don’t believe in pushing products. We don’t try and sell you anything. Instead, we work closely with our patients and their needs to develop and deliver the right solution, even if that means not doing any dentistry at all.

Integrity in all that we do.

Events over the past decade have caused significant upheaval in the health insurance business and we are constantly navigating the industry to make sure you receive the coverage and care you deserve. These changing times are reflective of changing patient needs and a requirement for operational disclosure.

From the beginning, Scheinfelds, Orland and Tourial built its foundation on basic operating principles – integrity, honesty and quality health care. These are not just words to us, rather truths that can be validated by the patient relationships we have held for over 25 years. To us, it’s simple. We base decisions on what we believe to be in the best interests of our patients and our employees. We understand that each puts a great deal of trust in us, and we do not take that trust lightly.

Be passionate.

Scheinfelds, Orland and Tourial’s culture is unlike any in its industry. We emphasize team achievements and pride in individual accomplishments that contribute to the patient’s overall success. Ideas are traded, tested and put into practice with the highest degree of passion and excitement. Meetings that would take hours elsewhere are frequently little more than a conversation in the hall, and few walls separate those who are performing the procedures to our next technology innovation from those that created our foundation of dentistry. Our highly communicative environment fosters productivity, creativity and camaraderie fueled by the realization that some of the most wonderful people rely on Scheinfelds, Orland and Tourial. We are passionate about what we do and believe in giving the proper tools to a group of people driven to make a difference, and they do.

We’ve all heard stories of the negative effects of sugar on our bodies. We actually consume a significantamount of sugar each day, and a lot of that — perhaps as much as 70% — is hidden in foods we would not normally think of as containing sugar (ketchup, for example). Obesity abounds in North America and each year it seems to get worse. Imagine — many children today are getting adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes! So, what to do???

We want to look for natural and safe alternatives to sugar. And I’d like to tell you about one of them that I think you’ll find really interesting. It’s called Xylitol.

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar commonly derived from corn stalks and birch trees. Although it’s a lot like common sugar, it does have a significant difference — it’s actually healthy for you!

Check out this link which lists some very interesting points in the Floss vs. Water debate. Either way, your gum health depends on flossing whether it is with traditional string or water! Be sure to floss at least once daily, twice if you can.

Apparently, oral health care during pregnancy is often misunderstood by treating physicians, dentists, and their patients. Every pregnant woman should be screened for oral risks, educated about proper oral hygiene, and referred to a dentist where treatment may be necessary.[1] Dental procedures such as periodontal treatment, restorations, and extractions are safe and are best performed during the second trimester. We are hesitant to perform diagnostic radiography regardless of the accepted practice that its safe. Xylitol and chlorhexidine[2] may be used as adjuvant therapy for high-risk mothers in the early postpartum period to reduce transmission of cariogenic bacteria to their infants.[3] Appropriate dental care and prevention during pregnancy may reduce poor prenatal outcomes and decrease infant caries.[4]

Every pregnant woman should be assessed by a dentist for dental hygiene habits, access to fluoridated water, oral problems (e.g., caries, gingivitis), and continued access to dental care.[5] Patients should be counseled to perform routine brushing and flossing, to avoid excessive amounts of sugary snacks and drinks, and to consult a dentist.[6] Many dentists are reported to be reluctant to treat pregnant women.[7] Optimally, physicians and dentists can overcome this situation through education, clear communication, and the development of ongoing collaborative relationships. Physicians can share information on the safety of dental treatment in pregnancy with dental colleagues and provide clear referral recommendations.

[2] Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at Chlorhexidine gluconate doses up to 300 mg/kg/day and 40 mg/kg/day, respectively, and have not revealed evidence of harm to fetus. However, adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have not been done. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. http://www.drugs.com/pro/chlorhexidine.html

The role your dentist plays in maintaining your oral health is easy to understand; however, the role of dental benefits is sometimes unclear. Insurance industry jargon used to describe your benefits often blurs the actual terms of coverage, and what is covered under one plan, might be excluded under another plan. We encourage you to be informed on how your dental benefit plan works so that you can make the most of your coverage. Dental benefit plans help you pay for certain kinds of dental care. Your dental care decisions should take into account more than just what is covered. Your dental health needs can only be determined through consultation with your personal dentist. Good dental care is your right, and can best be attained by understanding your specific dental needs and how your dental benefits plan relates to them.

Sure, regular cleanings with our office promotes good oral hygiene, but did you know these visits also screen for a multitude of diseases? Getting your teeth cleaned and having your doctor’s exam may not rank up there with an afternoon on the course or ditching work to enjoy a matinee, but it may be well worth it for your overall health. Here are 4 really great reasons to see your dentist for your regularly scheduled cleanings.

It’s an opportunity to check for Oral Cancer. You may or may not realize that you’re screened for oral cancer during your regular dental cleaning but you are. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. It’s a sad proposition, especially when you consider that it is highly curable with early diagnosis.

Your gums are being checked for Gum Disease. Gum disease, or an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place, is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. It can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, not receiving treatment will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum disease. Regular cleanings and check-ups along with daily brushing and flossing are key defenses against gum disease.

Your overall health. Studies have linked heart attacks, diabetes detection and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene. A trip to your dentist at least every 6 months and in some cases more often, could reduce your risk of other serious health issues.

Early detection of Dental Problems. We’ve already touched upon early detection of gum disease and oral cancer, but don’t overlook more basic dental problems. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to treat. Without regular check-ups, undetected problems can lead to more serious issues like root canals, gum surgery and tooth extraction. An ounce of prevention verses a pound of cure.

So you haven’t been keeping up with what current research has to say about caring for your teeth. That’s why check-ups allow your dentist to examine your mouth and keep you on the right path. If it’s been more than 6 months since your last check up and cleaning, call your dentist to schedule an appointment today. If we can be of any help or answer any questions please feel free to drop us a line.

Winter is getting cranked up and we need to take measures to maintain our health because during the winter months and at other times when the air is very dry, it is important to keep our nasal passages moist. When I was young I used to think my mother’s practice of medicine was just one more of her old wives tales, but practically applied her easy way to moisten your nasal passages is to sniff salt solution into both sides of the nose 2-4 times a day seems to work. To prepare a solution of proper strength, add 1/4 teaspoon of table salt to a cup of warm water, and stir it until all the salt has dissolved. Sniff some from a spoon or other small container into each nostril. Alternatively, you can buy ready-prepared nasal saline products, such as Ocean, Simply Saline or generic equivalents from drug stores. Such solutions can be used to wash away mucus from the membranous lining of the nasal passages. They also help by shrinking any parts of it that are swollen. This may save you a trip to the doctor. If this is not done, mucus and the swollen membranes around these openings may block openings of the sinuses into the nasal passages. Sinusitis will then occur if nasal bacteria infect the mucus, which can no longer drain from the blocked sinus. Treatment of sinusitis (rather than its prevention) often requires the use of antibiotics.

Some doctors are not enthusiastic about nasal saline irrigation since researchers found that it does not significantly reduce the incidence of colds. Personally, I am a little skeptical about a doctor’s hesitation to try a home remedy rather than popping a few pills. I don’t mean to confuse colds with sinusitis. Viruses cause colds, while sinusitis is a bacterial-induced complication for some colds. Irrigation of the nasal passages with saline cannot kill viruses or bacteria, but according to my favorite ENT patient, it can help to reduce the incidence of sinusitis in people with a tendency to develop this common complication of colds.

Part of the source for this article came from my mom and part from the American Family Physician (70:1685 & 1697, “04) & Wall Street Journal (Dec.7″04, page D6).